In the heart of the San Fernando Valley, a unique form of activism is taking shape above the 101 freeway, as residents from the local community gather to display their solidarity through bold signs.
Known as the San Fernando Valley Brigade, this group—a majority of whom are retired individuals—has committed to raising awareness about pressing social issues, particularly immigration, by crafting thought-provoking messages that greet thousands of commuters each morning.
Amid a backdrop of heightened immigration enforcement in Los Angeles, where more than 2,000 community members have been detained in recent months, the Brigade aims to remind drivers of the national crisis unfolding beneath their daily routines.
Alise, a member of the Brigade, emphasized their purpose: “We’re here to greet people and remind them that there’s a national crisis happening.”
As cars rush by, drivers are treated to signs reading “ICE Out of L.A.” and “Resistance is Your Duty,” directly expressing solidarity with immigrant communities.
The Brigade comes together three times a week, showcasing their signs on both sides of the overpass.
On a Tuesday morning, members displayed banners that read, “Immigrants Make America Great” and “No Child Is Illegal,” complemented by American flags.
Karen, another member, articulated their mission: “We’re taking their phrase (the MAGA phrase) and redefining it to remind them how important immigrants are.”
The reactions from the motorists have been overwhelmingly positive, with honks and waves serving as encouragement for the members holding the signs.
“It’s like putting fuel in my gas tank,” Karen shared, expressing appreciation for the drivers who supported their messages.
The Brigade hopes to disrupt the monotony of the morning commute by invoking awareness of societal issues and encouraging involvement in activism.
“People are busy, we get it, they’re in this bubble and it’s easy for some to ignore what’s happening,” Alise explained, highlighting the importance of their visibility.
Research shows that a mere 3.5% of the population can create significant social change by rising up and engaging in resistance, a belief that fuels the group’s activism.
As part of The Visibility Brigade network, which comprises various chapters across the United States, this local group stands out for its commitment to political engagement through peaceful demonstrations.
While they have only been active for about a month, feedback from the community has been uplifting, with many residents expressing gratitude for the group’s efforts.
“I personally do all of it, I go to rallies, I write letters, I call my congressman,” Alise noted, reflecting on her personal activism.
“Being out here on this pedestrian bridge, I think this is one of the most effective ways to reach people.”
As racial profiling and unjust detentions become increasingly common, the Brigade seeks to utilize the privilege of its predominantly white members—90% of whom are above 50—to advocate for the rights of marginalized communities.
Karen brought attention to the disparity in treatment between different immigrant groups, noting, “We’re from the Netherlands, so we’re immigrants, but we are treated differently because we’re white immigrants.”
The group also witnesses participation from younger generations, as evidenced by the presence of 32-year-old Sebastian Ojeras, who expressed the importance of supporting immigrant rights.
“For me, it’s really scary what we’re witnessing, and I think it’s important to speak out and get out on the streets if you can,” he said, underscoring the need for continuous conversation about injustices.
As the day concluded, Sheryll, a Brigade member, spoke about their aspirations to expand their visibility efforts and potentially increase their frequency of demonstrations to every day of the week.
For now, they are content knowing they are making a difference in how individuals feel about their place in the community.
“We’re fighting for our country and trying to get the message out to as many people as possible to save our democracy and to bring back the humanity to our country,” Sheryll stated, encapsulating the spirit of the Brigade’s mission.
image source from：lataco
